36 charged in synthetic drug operation in Austin

Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute (First-Degree Felony)

Zalia Chas

Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute (First-Degree Felony)

Photo: Courtesy, Austin Police Department

Photo: Courtesy, Austin Police Department

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Zalia Chas

Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute (First-Degree Felony)

Zalia Chas

Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute (First-Degree Felony)

Photo: Courtesy, Austin Police Department

36 charged in synthetic drug operation in Austin

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Austin police have charged 36 people — with 21 still being sought — in connection with possession or distribution of K2, a synthetic drug authorities have described as a "total drain" on resources in the city's downtown area.

The charges were the result of a lengthy operation that began after the conclusion of a similar one in October, according to Lt. Oliver Tate. Of the dozens charged, five suspects were already in jail and 10 more were arrested in the course of the investigation.

Austin police Commander Troy Officer said at a Monday press conference that a disservice was done to the community by referring to K2 as synthetic marijuana.

Researchers report that synthetic marijuana is sending increasing numbers of U.S. users to hospitals. Mostly known as K2, or Spice, synthetic marijuana is a combination of chemicals designed to mimic the high of pot. However, the study authors explained that it can be 10 times more potent. Just this week, Around 30 people in Brooklyn were hospitalized after using K2.

Media: WochIt Media

"This is no more marijuana than if I put bleach in a martini glass and called it a cocktail," he said.

Austin police Commander Justin Newsom added that K2 represents a particular threat because officers have no idea how users will react while high on the drug

"The predators that these guys arrested today, and that my guys arrested today, are just that," he said. "They prey on easy targets who are looking for an escape from their current situation, and K2 provides just that."

Austin EMS Commander Mike Benavides said the number of K2-related calls first responders received in December and January were the second-highest and fourth-highest, respectively. First responders in Austin receive an average of 145 K2-related calls a month.

"These things are not drugs," he said. "We're reluctant to call them overdoses, because that would lead somebody to believe that there is a proper dose. There is no proper dose."